Milwaukee Wisconsin Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Overall Rating of 54 Nursing Homes Rating: 5 out of 5 (13) Much above average Rating: 4 out of 5 (7) Above average Rating: 3 out of 5 (7) Average Rating: 2 out of 5 (14) Below average Rating: 1 out of 5 (13) Much below averageAugust 2018

With a population of more than 599,000 residents, Milwaukee Wisconsin is home to more than 53,000 senior citizens within the city limits and nearly twice that in all of Milwaukee County. The number of elderly citizens reaching retirement age has risen significantly over the last few years, placing an enormous burden on many of the assisted living centers, nursing homes and recreational centers within the county. Understaffing and overcrowding in these facilities has resulted in serious safety concerns, opened investigations and filed complaints involving neglect and abuse.

Medicare releases information every month on all nursing homes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin based on the data gathered through surveys, investigations and inspections. The federal database reveals that investigators found serious deficiencies and violations at twenty-seven (50%) of the fifty-four Milwaukee nursing facilities that led to harm. If your loved one was injured, mistreated, abused or died unexpectedly from neglect while residing at a nursing home in Wisconsin, your family has rights to ensure justice. We urge you to contact the Milwaukee nursing home abuse attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center (800-926-7565) today. Schedule a free case evaluation and let us discuss your legal options for obtaining monetary recovery through a lawsuit or compensation claim.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Nursing Home Resident Safety Concerns

The Milwaukee nursing home abuse attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC understand how challenging it is for family members to research nursing facilities in their community before placing a loved one in the hands of skilled care providers. To help, we publish publicly available information to assist families in making a significantly more informed decision of which facilities provide the best care in the Milwaukee area.

Comparing Milwaukee Area Nursing Homes

The nursing homes listed below have all received a one out of five possible star rating through the comparison tool star rating summary system posted on the federal website Medicare.gov. Some of these facilities have serious safety concerns. Our Milwaukee elder abuse case attorneys have outlined their primary concerns to be considered before placing a loved one in one of the facilities or why taking legal steps to stop cases of abuse, neglect or mistreatment might be necessary.

Information on Wisconsin Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence Lawsuits

Our attorneys have compiled data from settlements and jury verdicts across Wisconsin to give you an idea as to how cases are valued. Learn more about the cases below:

Failure to Follow Protocols on the Basic Standards of Care That Led to Direct Harm of a Resident in the Facility

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 05/14/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to “ensure that the facility identified preventative dressings were recorded and implemented [for two residents at the facility].” The investigation was opened concerning the deficient practice that in part caused harm to one resident at the facility who “experienced skin breakdown to the fold of her neck that became infected and required treatment with an antibiotic.” While the nursing staff followed the physician’s orders to apply a treatment/dressing to the neck of the resident to prevent skin breakdown caused by skin folds of the neck, the reorder and transcription of the physician’s orders were not added to the resident’s care plan after return from her brief hospitalization.

In meetings with the facility administration on 04/14/2015 and 04/15/2015, the surveyor conducting the investigation “shared the concerns regarding [the resident’s] neck wound and the facility not reconciling the orders in order to put back into place the preventative dressing order for [the resident’s] neck and document why the prevention was no longer needed.”

The deficient practice caused actual harm to the resident that could be considered mistreatment or negligence. Not following policies and procedures adopted by the facility directly violates established protocols regulated by state and federal agencies.

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 10/28/2015, a complaint investigation was opened against the facility for its failure to “ensure that each resident receives adequate supervision and assistive devices to prevent accidents.” This deficient practice directly affected three residents at the facility. In one case, a resident “left an activity (church services) unsupervised and attempted to self-propelled on a ramp. [The resident] apparently lost control the wheelchair and was found face down near the end of the ramp, sustaining three fractured ribs and a fractured hand and finger. The facility protocol is to escort all residents on the ramp.”

The complaint investigation was opened because the deficient practice of not providing adequate supervision to ensure accidents are prevented directly violates established policies and procedures adopted by the facility and violates both state and federal regulations. Our Milwaukee elder abuse attorneys understand that this type of deficient practice might be considered negligence or mistreatment of the resident, which ultimately led to a serious injury.

Cameo Care Center5790 S 27th StMilwaukee, Wi 53221(414) 282-1300

A “For-Profit” -certified bed Medicaid/Medicare facility

Overall Rating –1 out of 5 possible stars

Primary Concerns –

Failure to Provide Basic Standards of Care to Ensure a Resident Is Free of Pain Due To Injuries

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 06/09/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to “ensure [4 residents] receive the necessary care and services to attain and maintain their highest practical physical, mental and psychosocial well-being.” The complaint investigation was conducted in part because one resident “with pain did not receive the necessary care and services […] in accordance with their comprehensive assessment and plan of care.” The resident “was observed on 06/02/2015 during morning cares to be crying out in pain. The CNA indicated that [the resident] usually cries out in pain and that she [the CNA] tries to soothe her and on the way to the falls group will stop in the nurses station for pain medication. The Facility did not comprehensively assess the resident’s pain.”

The resident’s CAA (Care Area Assessment) pain team assessment and analysis documents indicates the resident experiences pain related to the right arm with swelling and right hip contusion due to a second fall at the facility. The physician’s goal in treating the resident “is to be free from pain or acceptable pain management limits.”

Not providing adequate services and following protocols could be considered negligence or mistreatment of the resident because it violates established procedures regulated by federal and state agencies. Our Racine nursing home abuse attorneys understand that the deficient practice of not providing adequate pain relief does not follow the established protocols and policies adopted by the facility.

Failure to Provide Proper Treatment to Heal Existing Bedsores Which Were Allowed to Degrade to Life-Threatening Conditions

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 02/16/2015, a notation was made by a state investigator during an annual licensure and certification survey concerning the facility’s failure to “provide necessary treatment and services to prevent pressure ulcers from developing, [and failure to] provide treatment to promote healing for [8 residents at the facility].” The deficient practice was noted in part because the resident admitted to the facility without pressure ulcers developed a stage II [bedsore] to the left heel, pressure ulcer first noted on 01/14/2015. No treatments were initiated in the care plan was not revise. On 01/23/2015 the left heel pressure ulcer was identified as stage III. Still no treatments were initiated in the care plan was not revised. On 01/27/2015 a temporary care plan for pressure ulcers stage II R (right) planter was developed. The physician was not contacted and no treatments were obtained. On 01/29/2015 the wound visit report documents left posterior heel is a stage III pressure ulcer and the right posterior heel is suspected a deep tissue injury pressure ulcer. The care plan was not revised to reflect the bilateral heel pressure ulcers.” Treatments were delayed for the heel and “were not started until 02/04/2015 and for the right plantar until 02/07/2015.”

Our Milwaukee elder abuse attorneys know that failing to provide adequate care to properly treat or heal an existing bedsore is considered gross negligence especially if the lack of care places the resident’s health in life-threatening jeopardy. The deficient practice of not following standards of care directly violates established protocols regulated by state and federal agencies.

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 08/19/2014, a notation was made during an annual licensure and certification survey by a state investigator concerning the facility’s failure to “ensure that [4 residents] receive adequate supervision and assistant devices to prevent accidents. The facility also did not ensure that one of two units kept chemicals locked and floors free of accident hazards.” The deficient practice in part affected one resident “at risk for falls” who requires “extensive assistance of two staff with the use of a mechanical lift for transfers. On 05/07/2014, [the resident] was inappropriately assisted during three transfers; using assistance of one staff and/or without the use of the mechanical lift. [The resident’s] knees buckled during the inappropriate transfers that occurred on 05/07/2014.” In a separate incident, [another resident] was observed to be transferred with a mechanical stand lift that had a broken strap and was utilized without it. The transfer was observed to be unsafe.”

Failing to ensure that an environment is free of accident hazards for every resident could be considered gross negligence, especially anytime the resident is harmed. The deficient practice directly violates established protocols, procedures and policies adopted by the facility that have been established by state and federal nursing home regulatory agencies.

Failure to Provide Proper Treatment to Prevent the Development of the New Bedsore or Healing of an Existing Bedsore That Led to Life-Threatening Conditions

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 05/19/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to “provide the necessary care and services to prevent the development of pressure ulcers and promote healing once a pressure ulcer was developed for [2 residents] at risk for pressure ulcers.” The complaint investigation was initiated in part because a resident who “was at risk for pressure ulcers” was not accurately identified as a “risk for skin breakdown on admission. When the staff was aware that the skin had broken down or when the ulcers had worsened, staff did not revise the care plan, and did not obtain appropriate orders for treatment. Knowing that the resident had open areas, staff did not do weekly assessments of the area which prevented them from promptly identifying changes to the areas and initiating immediate changes to prevent further worsening of the wounds.”

In a separate incident, another resident had “developed two Stage 3 pressure ulcers which after to debridement” both became Stage IV pressure ulcers. Without proper supervision and the use of appropriate devices, the resident was unable “to reposition herself, a finding of Immediate Jeopardy was identified beginning 01/12/2015.” However, it was not until 05/14/2015 that the Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing “were identified of the Immediate Jeopardy.”

Failure to provide proper treatment to prevent the development of a pressure sore or heal an existing one led to serious degradation of bedsores causing immediate jeopardy to residents at the facility. Our team of reputable Milwaukee nursing home attorneys understand that these deficient practices might be considered gross negligence because they placed one resident in Immediate Jeopardy, a life-threatening condition that was not identified by the Director of Nursing or Nursing Home Administrator for over four months after the jeopardy occurred.

Not following protocols, procedures and policies established by the nursing facility to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents directly violates established rules by both state and federal agencies.

Failure to Properly Assess, Document and Treat Existing Facility-Acquired Bedsores That Were Allowed to Degrade to a Serious Condition

In a summary statement of deficiencies 01/26/2015 a notation was made by a state surveyor during an annual licensure and certification survey involving the facility’s failure to “ensure residents receive preventative measures and accurate and complete assessments of pressure ulcers upon identification to ensure that pressure ulcers did not develop or worsen.” These deficient practices directly affected five residents at the facility with facility-acquired pressure ulcers. The notation was made in part because a resident “did not have an initial documented assessment, or plan of care upon identification of avoidable, facility acquired bilateral unstageable heel pressure ulcers that are covered in eschar.” In a separate incident, another resident “did not have documented preventative measures to prevent bilateral Stage II heel pressure ulcers from developing.” A third resident “did not have documented preventative measures to prevent bilateral stage II heel pressure ulcers from developing” and a fourth resident “did not have documented bilateral heel prevention measures prior to and after identification of facility acquired unstageable bilateral heel pressure ulcers.” The fifth resident reviewed for pressure ulcers “did not have documented preventative measures or plan of care for treatment for [their medical condition].

Failing to provide adequate treatment to prevent the degradation of existing bedsores is considered gross negligence if the pressure ulcers are allowed to create great to a life-threatening condition. These five separate ongoing deficient practices also violated established protocols adopted by the facility that are regulated by state and federal agencies.

Luther Manor4545 N 92nd StMilwaukee, Wi 53225(414) 464-3880

A “Non-Profit” 131-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare facility

Overall Rating – 2 out of 5 possible stars

Primary Concerns –

Failure to Provide Basic Standards of Care to a Resident That Led to Severe Dehydration Requiring Hospitalization

In a summary statement of deficiencies 03/23/2015, a complaint investigation was opened against the facility for its failure “to immediately inform and consult with [a resident’s] physician regarding a significant change in the condition when [the resident] began to demonstrate insufficient fluid and oral intake. [The resident] experienced a decrease in fluid intake and poor appetite from 12/04/2014 through 12/31/2014. The decrease in fluid intake and oral intake was not reported to the dietitian or the physician extender (APNP – Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner) until 12/29/2014.” As a result of improper notification immediate action was not taken causing significant actual harm to the resident. On 12/31/2014, a 911 call was initiated [and the resident] was transferred to the hospital [… and] admitted per ER (emergency room).” The emergency room record noted that the “resident appears dehydrated, acute distress, dry mucous membranes. The resident had to be intubated for [a medical condition] per the ER report. The resident also underwent ventilator management and the placement of a central line (IV line in the chest) for the administration of fluids.” Documentation in the ER report indicates that “attempts were made to access the resident’s femoral vein or artery but were unsuccessful and could not be visualized with ultrasound, which made us think he was very dehydrated.” Other indicators asserted that dehydration presented itself through altered mental status and a serum sodium level of 173. “Failure to notify the physician of [the resident’s] change in condition of insufficient fluid and food intake resulted in harm to the resident.”

Our team of Milwaukee nursing home abuse attorneys know that this serious deficient practice might be considered gross negligence because it caused the resident direct harm which required the need for a transfer to the hospital for emergent treatment for severe dehydration. Additionally, all failures to provide adequate nutrition and hydration and the failure to notify the resident’s physician directly violate state and federal regulations and policies adopted by the facility.

Failure to Immediately Notify the Resident’s Doctor of a Serious Change in Condition That Resulted in His Death

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 08/04/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to “notify the [resident’s physician in a timely manner] who had experienced a large [redacted medical condition] while hospitalized three months earlier, had possible blood in his stool between 11:30 PM and 1:30 AM and again around 4:30 AM.” This complaint investigation concerned the failure of the registered nurse on duty to “reassess [the resident] after being notified of [blood in the stools] around 1:30 AM, nor did she reassess [the resident] after learning of the second episode. The RN observed the reddish color and consistency of the first bowel movement and thought it was due to eating beets. Although beets had not been served for at least six days, and it is not known if [the resident] had even eaten beets. The RN did not immediately call the [resident’s] physician after he experienced a change in condition.”

“When the day shift CNA (certified nursing assistant) arrived and saw [the resident] she immediately requested a nurse come to see him. The day shift LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) responded and called 911; however, [the resident] passed away as emergency responders arrived.”

The deficient practice followed by the RN and not taking appropriate action and notifying the resident’s physician of a serious change in condition directly violates federal and state regulations and the policies of standard care adopted by the facility. In part, the facility’s policy “directs immediate physician notification and consultation required for bleeding of poorly controlled or repeat episodes within 24 hours [such as prolonged nosebleed, blood in the stools not due to hemorrhoids or bloody emesis]. The failure to consult with a physician regarding redness/red-colored chunks in the [resident’s] stool [that could be indicative of possible blood] despite the fact that the resident had an episode of bleeding in the lower intestinal tract just three months earlier and despite the fact that the maroon colored stool can indicate a fast-moving acute [redacted medical condition] led to the findings of Immediate Jeopardy [at the time of the incident].”

Our Milwaukee nursing home abuse attorneys recognize that this series of deficient practices might likely be seen as gross negligence because in action likely led to the resident’s demise.

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 12/08/2014, a notation was made by a state surveyor during an annual licensure and certification survey involving the facility’s failure to “ensure that each resident received and the facility must provide the necessary care and services to attain or maintain the highest practical physical, mental or psychosocial well-being in accordance with the comprehensive assessment and plan of care.” This deficient practice directly affected to residents at the facility suffering with pressure ulcers.

An observation by the state surveyor on 12/03/2014 involved a witnessing of two RNs performing “a pressure ulcer treatment to [a resident’s] right ischial (buttocks) area and a treatment to a lesion on the resident’s outer thigh.” Upon observation, the resident cried out in pain during the treatment. After the treatment was complete the surveyor interviewed the LPN in charge of that resident asking if “she had given the resident something for pain before the resident’s pressure treatment ulcer. [The LPN] indicated she was on her way to administer some Tylenol to “the resident” and was not able to get there earlier.”

Not providing standards of care to ensure that the resident maintains their highest well-being does not follow the established protocols adopted by the facility and violates numerous statutes issued by nursing home regulatory agencies. The deficient practice of not providing pain medication prior to a resident undergoing pressure ulcer treatments might be considered negligence or mistreatment.

Mitchell Manor5301 W Lincoln AveWest Allis, Wi 53219(414) 615-7200

A “For-Profit” 74-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare facility

Overall Rating – 2 out of 5 possible stars

Primary Concerns –

Failure to Provide Basic Standards of Care That Led to Worsening of the Resident’s Medical Condition

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 05/15/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to “ensure that this resident received in the facility provided the necessary care and services to attain and maintain his highest practical physical, mental and psychosocial well-being, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment and plan of care.” This deficient practice directly affected three residents in the facility to “meet their wound care needs, diabetic care needs, and pain management needs.”

In one incident, a resident at the facility “did not receive proper [device] care to an amputation site, such that an almost healed surgical site worsened.” In a separate incident, another resident “with long term history of arthritis and joint pain, was not assisted to attain adequate nursing staff caring during a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episode, did not have information in a timely manner, hence the resident was administered insulin that led to the resident experiencing [an unnecessary medical condition].”

These deficient practices could be considered negligence or mistreatment of residents because the practices did not follow established procedures adopted by the facility. In addition, the lack of substandard care directly violates nursing home regulations established by state and federal regulators.

Trinity Village7500 W Dean RdMilwaukee, Wi 53223(414) 371-7300

A “For-Profit” 87-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare facility

Overall Rating – 2 out of 5 possible stars

Primary Concerns –

Failure to Properly Treat a Facility Acquired Pressure Ulcer That Resulted in Amputation of the Leg above the Knee.

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 05/26/2015, a complaint investigation was opened against the facility for its failure to “notify the physician when a significant change in one’s status occurred for [the resident] identified by the facility with vascular wounds.” This deficient practice directly resulted in the resident being hospitalized in March 2015 and readmitted to the facility [at a later date].” Upon readmission, he was assessed “and had no pressure ulcers or arterial/venous wounds.” However, after admission, the wound team on 04/13/2015 noted that the resident “had bilateral blackened heels with an established wound ideology of mixed arterial/venous, diabetic.”

Since the initial notation on 04/13/2015, the pressure ulcer increased in size from 5.5 centimeters by 3.2 centimeters to 8.0 centimeters by 7.0 centimeters up to 8.0 centimeters by 12 centimeters in less than a month. “The wound team recommended a wound clinic consultation due to concerns about possible gangrene. The physician was not immediately notified of the wound team recommendation. The order to refer the resident to the wound clinic was not obtained until [4 days later].” The resident was “subsequently admitted to the hospital where he required an above the knee amputation on 05/19/2015.

Findings indicate that the resident was placed in Immediate Jeopardy on 04/27/2015 while at the facility. Our team of Milwaukee nursing home abuse lawyers know that this failure to follow protocols while treating a facility-acquired bedsore that led to Immediate Jeopardy that resulted in the amputation of the leg due to gangrene might be considered gross negligence by the medical team and facility. The gross deficient practice also violates established protocols outlined by state and federal regulators.

Signs of Elder Neglect or Abuse?

Most friends and family members do not recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse or take them seriously when first noticed. Sometimes, abuse and neglect display themselves as dementia or frailty. Other times, the medical team in charge of providing care explain away more noticeable signs by saying it is natural deterioration or just the signs of aging. However, there are specific general signs of neglect and abuse that need to be taken seriously and acted upon immediately to protect the victim. Common signs of abuse involve:

A change in behavior or personality of the elderly loved one

Tense situations or frequent arguments between the elderly resident and their caregiver

Unexplained injury including a wound, bruise, scar or burn especially when displayed symmetrically on opposite sides of the body

Drowsiness or fatigue caused by overmedication

Broken or damaged eyeglasses

Refusal by the caregiver to allow family and friends to see the elder resident alone

Signs of restraint such as rope marks or strap marks on the resident’s wrists

Unexplained genital infections or venereal disease

Unexplained anal or vaginal bleeding

Blood, stained or torn underclothing

Bruised genitals or breasts

Hazardous living conditions

Left unattended in an unbathed or dirty condition

Facility-acquired bedsores

If you suspect your loved one has been neglected or abused while residing in a Milwaukee area nursing facility it is essential that you advocate for them and take immediate legal action. The Milwaukee nursing home abuse attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC will hold every individual responsible for the harm legally and financially accountable for their unacceptable behavior. We encourage you to contact our Milwaukee elder abuse law offices today by calling (800) 926-7565 to schedule a free, full comprehensive case review.

For additional information on Wisconsin laws and information on nursing homes look here.

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial. Lisa

★★★★★

After I read Jonathan’s Nursing Home Blog, I decided to hire him to look into my wife’s treatment at a local nursing home. Jonathan did a great job explaining the process and the laws that apply to nursing homes. I immediately felt at ease and was glad to have him on my side. Though the lawsuit process was at times frustrating, Jonathan reassured me, particularly at my deposition. I really felt like Jonathan cared about my wife’s best interests, and I think that came across to the lawyers for the nursing home. Eric